a
World Aviation Defense & Security News - Bangladesh
 
 
Bangladesh signs deal for five more Mi-171Sh military transport helicopters
 
According to the local online newspaper Bdnews24, the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) today signed a contract with the Russian Joint Stock Company Rosoboronexport for the delivery of five Mi-171Sh military transport helicopters.
     
A Mi-171Sh military transport helicopter already in service with the BAF
(Credit: Bangladesh Air Force)
     
The contract was signed by the BAF Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operation & Training) Air Vice Marshal M Naim Hassan and Rosoboronexport Deputy Chief of Section Ageev Dmitry. In December 2016, Bangladesh unveils its intention to procure up to six Mi-171Sh during the current fiscal year.

These five choppers are part of the Bangladesh move to modernise its Air Force. The BAF currently flies 28 Mi-17 helicopters, as well as some Bell 212s, 206s Long Ranger and two AgustaWestland AW139 utility rotorcraft.

The Mi-171Sh helicopters will be used in UN peacekeeping operations, the Bangladesh Armed Forces' media wing ISPR said on Tuesday.

The Mi-171Sh is the export version of Russian Helicopters' Mi-8AMTSh, which is an armed assault variant of the famous Hip utility helicopter. It features new large door on the right side (except the prototype), aramid fiber plates around the cockpit area and engines.